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How To Accurately Assess Mold Damage

Mold can damage the contents and structure of a residence in Fort Myers, FL. It is almost impossible for homeowners to determine the extent of a mold problem on their own. A mold specialist or environmental hygienist should conduct testing to inform an expert mold assessment by remediation professionals.

Schedule a Mold Test

A hygienist or specialist should visit a residence to perform mold testing. He or she should take one or more of the following types of samples:

Air

Bulk

Surface

Air samples are the most common and may be taken indoors and outdoors. Bulk samples involve testing contents or materials. Surface samples check for the presence of mold spores on interior surfaces.

Consult With a Remediation Service

Once a lab returns the results of a mold test, a hygienist can make recommendations to remediation experts. A mold cleanup service may use this advice in several ways:

A mold assessment will vary depending on whether the issue is minor mildew growth or a major infestation of a toxigenic species such as black mold. A cleanup service may recommend the use of containment equipment for severe mold problems. All of these factors affect a remediation estimate.

Estimate Cleanup Costs

The extent of damage will determine the cost of mold removal. A remediation service will consider the amount and species of mold and whether structural damage has occurred. Testing may cost several hundred dollars, and the price of remediation may range from several thousand dollars for a minor infestation to tens of thousands of dollars for a major mold problem.

Each of these stages is crucial for an accurate mold assessment. Homeowners should rely on experts to determine the degree and type of mold growth at a residence in Fort Myers, FL. This information can contribute to a more successful remediation effort.

Why You Should Use an IICRC Certified Restoration Company

Why You Should Use An IICRC Certified Restoration Company

When your client needs restoration to his or her Fort Myers, FL home, you want to make sure that he or she is getting the best possible help. Using a company that is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification means that you can feel confident that the job will be done well. Here are a few reasons why a company certified by the IICRC is the best choice.

1. There Are Set Standards

When a company is certified by the IICRC, they must follow their standards. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a member of the American National Standards Institute which determines the guidelines for many business sectors. When you use a company with their certification, you know that they will have high quality standards for their work.

2. All Employees Are Well-Trained

Because SERVPRO is a certified company, they must be sure that all employees are trained to follow the correct procedures. Because of this, you know that you will only have competent and experienced workers restoring your client’s home. They will follow all required standards during the cleanup and restoration process.

3. You Know Exactly What To Expect

Companies that don’t follow a set procedure can sometimes leave you wondering what to expect during the restoration and repair process, but that is not the case with SERVPRO. Because they are certified by the IICRC, you can expect the same quality of work from them every time. When the job is finished, you can be sure that everything has been done well.

When a client’s home is damaged, it can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. Working with a damage restoration company that has a restoration and mitigation certificate can give you peace of mind. You can rest assured that you are providing your client with the best help that he or she can get.

Is Your Business Flood Ready?

Flooding can cause extensive damage at a commercial property in Lehigh Acres,FL . Building owners and managers should take the following measures to limit the severity of damage.

Back Up Records

Building and business owners can rest easier if important data and records are backed up. There are several methods to consider:

Cloud-based storage

Off-site storage

Elevating paper records

It is a good idea to make digital backups of records. Store paper files in a location that is not as likely to flood or on any level above the ground floor of a structure.

Elevate Delicate or Dangerous Items

Appliances, paper files, devices and furniture may remain in good condition if these items can be moved to a higher floor of a structure. It is also a good idea to try to raise electrical panels, switches or wiring in the basement or on the ground floor.

Check Flood Insurance Coverage

Owners of buildings located in a flood zone should maintain flood insurance. This coverage can offset the cost of flood damage mitigation and restoration. Make sure the policy is current, check the limits and keep track of contact information.

Choose a Floodwater Management Method

There are many ways to control the flow of floodwater. Use one or more of the following methods to keep black water away from a structure:

Sandbags and plastic sheeting

Self-stabilizing barriers

Water-filled barriers

Investing in a sandbag alternative can make preparing for flooding easier, faster and more affordable in the long run. Many of these systems can be reused.

Prepare the Basement

Building owners may want to have a basement waterproofed. Test the sump pump and install a battery-operated backup or generator in case of power failure.

These measures can lessen the extent of flood damage at a commercial structure in Lehigh Acres,FL . If a building sustains damage from flooding, schedule a consultation with a mitigation and restoration company.

4 Ways To Prevent Cooking Fires

Reducing The Risk Of A Cooking Fire

Fire departments respond to about 166,000 fires started by cooking equipment every year. These incidents endanger residents and result in over one billion dollars in fire damage. Reduce the risk of a cooking fire by keeping these four tips in mind.

1. Don’t Leave Food Unattended

Even if a recipe takes a while to prepare, you should keep a close watch on food. If you need to leave the room, set a timer and make sure no combustible items are near the stove. Regularly check on food to prevent burning.

2. Keep the Stove Area Clear

Whether you have an electric cooktop with hot burners or a gas stove with open flames, it is important to keep ingredients and other items off the surface of the stove. Avoid storing oven mitts, napkins or towels above the range. This is one of the most important tips for preventing a cooking fire.

3. Use Only Microwave Approved Articles

Make sure any container you intend to microwave is approved for this use. Never heat foil or paper not intended for cooking in a microwave. If you are preparing packaged food, remove any materials that are not intended to be heated.

4. Stay Cautious With Grease and Oil

Grease and oil cause some of the hottest and most damaging kitchen fires. Slowly heat fats to a safe temperature before carefully adding food. Avoid introducing moisture to hot oil and never fry food that is still frozen. Fire extinguishers can cause a grease fire to spread. Safely smother flames by dousing with baking soda and salt or covering a pot or pan with a metal lid or cookie sheet.

These tips can help home cooks prevent fires. Make sure your kitchen is equipped with a working smoke detector. If a fire breaks out and damages a residence in Ft. Myers,FL, contact a mitigation and restoration service.

How To Tell the Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Difference Between Mold And Mildew

Although the terms mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Unless you are a microbiologist, you probably can’t identify the exact variety of fungus you may have in your house in Fort Myers, FL , but you can still learn about the basic differences and why it matters to you to prevent mold damage.

Helpful Questions

When you see a fungus growing in your home, you can ask yourself some questions to help you distinguish between mold and mildew.

What color is it?

Mildew growth is white, but molds can be a variety of colors including black, red, green, or blue.

Is it fuzzy?

Organisms in the fungus family are defined by having long filaments (hyphae), but mildew is less fuzzy than most molds.

Does it seem to be deeply rooted or just on the surface?

Mildew tends to be more superficial, while mold growth is usually deeper.

Why You Should Learn the Difference

Why does it matter if you have mildew or mold? Well, mildew is usually a lot easier to clean up. You can often use a solution of bleach or other disinfectant to scrub it off a surface.

Mold is a bigger problem because spores are everywhere in the environment, and they only need a moist area and organic food source to survive and reproduce. Mold is also very difficult to control due to the deep root system and the fast reproduction cycle. It can easily turn into a mold damage problem.

You need to act fast to get control of a mold problem in your home. Hiring a professional mold remediation company is the best way to get it done quickly and effectively. These experts have specialized equipment and take the necessary precautions, like the use of negative air chambers, to minimize the spread of mold spores while mitigating mold damage.

How To Keep a Frozen Pipe From Breaking

Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes in Lehigh Acres, FL

Steps: How to Prevent a Flood

Water damage can be expensive to repair and can lead to secondary damage if it’s not fixed promptly. Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes in Lehigh Acres,FL, but if you identify and unfreeze the pipe before it ruptures, you can often save yourself the hassle of having to fix the pipe and clean up its aftermath. Follow these steps to prevent a flood.

1. Finding the Pipe

You may find that one faucet is working and another is not. This could be a sign of a pipe freeze between the two fixtures. You are more likely to find a frozen pipe near certain areas:

Crawlspaces

Attics

Basements

Outdoors

Air vents

2. Inspecting the Pipe

To make sure you don’t already have a leak, you need to inspect your frozen pipes closely. Make sure that the surface doesn’t show any signs of cracks. If you find a crack, it is important to patch it before warming the pipe up. Turn off the water main to minimize leaking while the pipe is repaired.

3. Running the Faucets

If you don’t see any cracks, you can turn on the faucets. This gets water running and helps the faucet warm up gradually, as moving water does not freeze as readily as still water.

4. Warming the Pipes

There are several ways to warm up a pipe that holds frozen water. You can use a hair dryer for immediate warmth. More long-term solutions include heat tape and pipe insulation. If you can redirect warm air from your heater during the winter or from outside during warmer months inside your walls, this can keep pipes from freezing by warming the space around them.

If your frozen pipes do cause water damage, water restoration specialists are here to help. The best solution, however, is to prevent flooding in the first place by keeping pipes warm.

The Benefits of Interruption Coverage for Your Business

A fire in your commercial building can wreak havoc on your business plan. In addition to calling fire restoration services as soon as possible to get repairs started, you need a good business interruption policy to help sustain you until those repairs are finished. Interruption coverage for your business in Lehigh Acres,FL, has several benefits.

Monthly Expenses

Even if your building is out of commission, that doesn’t mean those monthly bills magically disappear. You are likely still responsible for many of the same expenses that you have when your building is fully functional. These expenses may include:

Employee wages

Insurance premiums

Rent

Equipment leasing

Business loan payments

A solid business interruption policy can cover your expenses. This means you don’t have to worry about whether or not you can stay current on your financial obligations.

Relocation Costs

Depending on the severity of the damage sustained from the business fire, you may need to move the daily activity of your business elsewhere for a while. If damage is extensive, it may take weeks to get your business up and running in its rightful location again. Most businesses cannot afford to be out of commission for that long a period of time. Your interruption insurance can help with the costs of temporary relocation, allowing you to continue operations while your building is being restored.

Revenue Guarantee

Even if you do relocate your business, the change is likely to result in a dip in your income. While your property insurance covers the actual fire cleaning process, an interruption policy can cover any revenue you lose as a result of the fire. The insurance company takes into account projections of how much you would have made if the accident had not occurred to determine how much it will pay.

Whether you own or rent your building, business interruption insurance is necessary. It can protect you from financial loss from a delay in operations in the event of a fire, flood or natural disaster.

Disaster Preparation Ft. Myers Florida

Everyone can do disaster preparation in Ft Myers Florida because they know that they are going to have storms and hurricanes come through the area. It is going to happen, and everyone needs to be prepared. The disaster preparation can go from Naples to Estero, and all the people in the area can get ready for water damage and flooding. The emergency plan for the business and the home is important, and people have to be really thoughtful about how they are going to get this plan together.

The SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers is Here to Help people make sure that they have a chance to get the best results after a storm damage. The best preparation starts with a plan. The plans are actually really easy to put together, and the plans are very easy to manage when people know that they could have problems with water damage. Flooding could happen, and the emergency plan has to account for all these things. There is a plan that works better for the business, and then there is one that works better for the home. Everyone has to be ready, and they need to know what the plan is.

The plan needs to start with boarding up and getting ready for storms and floods. The floods could be minimized with boarding up, and that also helps to be sure that the windows will not be broken by the wind of the projectiles that are flying through the air. It is very easy for people to prepare, but they also have to plan to evacuate people if they are told to. There has to be a route to get away from the flooding or the storm, and there has to be a plan to move all the people out at the same time. There is no reason to leave people behind when they are prepared to get out of the area.

There are a lot of things that people need to think about when they are getting ready for a disaster, and they need to be sure that they have a plan written down that everyone can follow. There are a lot of things to consider, and then they need to be sure that they have given it out to everyone. They might want to hand it out to the whole family, explain this to the family and be sure that the people who are in the office know what is going on. The plan works really well when it has been thought out. SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers can help mitigate any of your needs. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

How To Tell If Water Damage Is Category 3

The most severe type of water damage is Category Three. Flood water and water from a toilet overflow are both in this category. Consider the following factors to determine whether Category Three water damage is present in a commercial structure.

What Is the Source?

Three categories are used to classify water damage. These include:

• Category One water, which is clean and treated• Category Two water, which may contain chemicals or microbes• Category Three water, which may contain contaminants and solid waste

Category One water damage usually results from a supply line break. Category Two water, also referred to as gray water, may come from an appliance leak or a backed-up shower. Category Three water, also known as black water, is typically flood water or originates from a sewer backup.

How Long Has Water Been Standing?

The condition of water left standing will deteriorate after about 48 hours, regardless of the original source. This may be caused by contact with:

• Building materials• Contaminants• Contents

A building owner or facility manager should quickly eliminate standing water and promote drying. This can limit primary damage and prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth.

Which Cleaning Method Is Recommended?

If a building has Category Three water damage, several stages of cleaning will be necessary. These may include:

• Removing water• Tearing out porous building materials• Cleaning and disinfecting the area• Drying the area

Porous materials such as drywall and contents such as carpet will probably not be able to be thoroughly disinfected. These materials and contents should be torn out and replaced. Restoration should only proceed after an area has completely dried. Otherwise, the risk of mold growth may persist.

Category Three flood water or water from a toilet overflow can cause extensive damage at a commercial building in Charleston Park,FL. An owner may want to rely on the expertise of water damage restoration professionals.

3 Ways To Prevent a Dishwasher Leak

Tips to Prevent a Leaking Dishwasher

Your Fort Myers, FL, home’s large appliances can help you save time when it comes to doing housework. One major convenience is the dishwasher; however, when it malfunctions and you have to deal with leaks and floods, this can be frustrating as well as costly. If you want to protect your home, keep a few tips in mind to prevent a leaking dishwasher.

1. Ensure a Level Placement

When you first install your dishwasher, it is important to check that the floor is level. Warped or raised floor tiles can cause the appliance to sit at an angle or vibrate during a cycle. Either of these circumstances could cause leaking, so before placing or moving your dishwasher, take a moment to inspect the floor and use a level tool to ensure the unit will sit flat.

2. Avoid Detergent Misuse

Your kitchen floor and cabinets could suffer from serious water damage if you buy the wrong kind of dishwashing soap or use too much. Reading the appliance manual and noting the kind of soap it recommends can help you prevent a sudsy overflow. Limiting use of the appliance to the adults in your house is a wise idea, since younger children may inadvertently use the wrong kind of detergent so you come home from work to a leaking dishwasher.

3. Worn Parts

If your dishwasher is an older model or you use it often, check it for worn parts at least once a month. Gaskets, valves and other replaceable parts can fail and cause the appliance to leak rapidly. This might cause a mess that only a flood cleanup and restoration service could handle, so having your unit serviced or replaced once it reaches a certain age is an effective way to prevent a kitchen flood.

Dealing with a leaking dishwasher at your Fort Myers, FL, home can be costly and stressful. Preventing issues that might cause this problem is usually worth the time when compared what it takes to clean up an indoor flood.